Ben Thompson: Anthropic, the Pentagon, and the Limits of Private Power
Ben Thompson: Anthropic, the Pentagon, and the Limits of Private Power  
Podcast: The a16z Show
Published On: Thu Mar 05 2026
Description: In this conversation, previously aired on TBPN, John Coogan and Jordi Hays speak with Ben Thompson, founder of Stratechery, about his essay "Anthropic and Alignment" and the broader collision between AI power and state power that the Anthropic–Department of War standoff revealed.   Resources: Follow Ben Thompson on X: https://twitter.com/benthompson Follow John Coogan on X: https://twitter.com/johncoogan Follow Jordi Hays on X: https://twitter.com/jordihays Follow TBPN on X: https://twitter.com/tbpn Stay Updated:Find a16z on YouTube: YouTubeFind a16z on XFind a16z on LinkedInListen to the a16z Show on SpotifyListen to the a16z Show on Apple PodcastsFollow our host: https://twitter.com/eriktorenberg Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.